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New visiting rules have been introduced at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr following a “significant increase” in norovirus cases.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has introduced a ‘visiting with a purpose’ policy, which means only essential visits – such as delivering fresh clothing and personal items, supporting mental wellbeing, and end-of-life care – are allowed.

All visitors are urged to contact the ward before visiting the hospital. Visitors who arrive without prior contact may be turned away, the health board said.

These rules were introduced at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport earlier this month for the same reasons, but have since been lifted.

The health board said: “Thanks to the efforts of patients, visitors and staff, we are seeing signs of improvement. Visiting with a purpose has now stepped down [at the Royal Gwent] and normal visiting can resume, although we ask visitors to remain cautious and follow the advice.”

Anyone with sickness or diarrhoea, a cough, or cold or flu-like symptoms, are being told not to visit Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, in Ystrad Mynach, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have gone.

But the health board reiterated that anyone with an appointment should still attend, unless they are displaying symptoms.

Meanwhile, face masks will remain compulsory at all hospital sites across Gwent.